Happy Gilmore 2 Review: Sandler’s Sequel Leans on Laughs, Legacy, and a Little Chaos

 Happy Gilmore 2 Review: Sandler’s Sequel Leans on Laughs, Legacy, and a Little Chaos

Netflix released Happy Gilmore 2 on July 25, 2025, almost 30 years since the cult classic premiered. The sequel reunites Adam Sandler as the profane hockey-to-golf champion, but reactions are that the movie is sappier reunion than refined comedy achievement.

Back to the Plot – And the Agony

The narrative continues with Happy at age 58, mourning the untimely accidental death of his wife Virginia (actress Julie Bowen) following a stray golf ball shot. A single dad to five children, he descends into alcoholism, secreting flasks within salad cucumbers and golf balls alongside a Stop & Shop job. The catalyst incident? His daughter Vienna (played by Sandler's actual daughter Sunny) gets chosen for an elite Paris ballet school—setting off Happy's search to earn tuition money through a golf comeback.

 Callbacks Over Creativity

Critics call the movie extremely nostalgic: frequent flashbacks to original scenes, reused jokes, and numerous cameos—including Christopher McDonald's Shooter McGavin, Ben Stiller's Hal L., and a procession of real‑life golfers and celebrities. While enthusiasts will savor Easter eggs and familiar faces, many reviewers caution that too much reliance on callbacks makes the movie feel unoriginal and meandering  .

Humor and Heart: 

Hits and Misses

The humor is characteristic Sandler: slapstick physical sight gags (stuffing booze into everyday objects, for instance), cameo appearances by his veteran comedic ensemble, and irreverent zest. Where the movie goes full-on into physical comedy—such as Happy tossing around Jon Lovitz or grappling in ridiculous golf tournaments—the laughter pays off. 

On emotional grounds, some credit is due to Sandler's try at combining poignancy with absurdity: legacy, fatherly sacrifice, and grief. Critics comment that though it's not as clean as Happy Gilmore (1996), it presents real warmth for old-timers. Others, however, sense the dark tone being jarring when combined with Sandler's goofy persona  .

Cameos Galore: 

Star Power or Overkill? 

The cast features cameos by Bad Bunny as Happy's caddie—a scene-stealing role perceived by many—and numerous professional golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, John Daly, and others. There are sports and entertainment personalities appearing including Travis Kelce, Paige Spiranac, Dan Patrick, even Eminem and Post Malone. 

Some viewers and critics consider this to be enjoyable fan service, while others think it slows pacing and takes away from real comedic momentum  .

 Critics vs. Fans: The Split Verdict

✅ What Reviewers Loved:

Nostalgic references to the 1996 original, satisfying long-time fans.

Sandler's devotion to balancing slapstick and emotional moments.

Strong performances: Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, and particularly Bad Bunny  .

 What Didn't Work

A sloppy, meandering script filled out with cameos and homages, yet not developing much new comedic energy  .

Flashback overuse and reuse of old jokes creates predictability  .

A few plot points—such as Virginia's abrupt death—came off as tone-deaf or emotionally dissonant  .

Even in fan discussion at Reddit, reaction is divided. One posted:

 "It was pretty bad… the whole 'new kind of golf' plot sucked. Too many flashbacks."

Another replied: "Turn your brain off and just enjoy the ride."

 Celebrity Buzz:

Taylor Swift and Pop Culture Hype Surprise endorsements contributed to the hype—Taylor Swift gave the film 13/10, calling it a "must-watch," boosting interest on social media and fan fandoms. Travis Kelce's cameo also generated buzz, although critics say his was not a fully utilized presence  .

 Scorecard Summary

Aspect Praise Criticism

Gags & Slapstick

Timeless Sandler hijinks, sight gags

Too much, sometimes tired

Nostalgia

Flashbacks, cameos, returning players

Overuse distracts from originality

Emotional Depth

Sentimental themes: fatherhood, redemption

Tonal inconsistencies sometimes cringeworthy

Supporting Roles

Christopher McDonald, Bad Bunny

Cameos slow down pacing

Overall Structure

Light-hearted, entertaining segments

Unfocused, sketchy, too long (117 min) 

Verdict: Legacy Comfort vs. Fresh Comedy

Happy Gilmore 2 is overtly aimed at fans: it goes all-in on callbacks, nostalgic callbacks, and supporting-cast cameos. Critics call it a medium-energy reunion with genuine intent but without the gritty originality and streamlined storytelling of the original.

Nonetheless, for audience members wistfully nostalgic for Happy's early days—or just seeking an over-the-top, family-friendly golf-comedy ride—it gets good laughs and cozy names in the credits  .

Reviewer Ratings

The Guardian calls it "strictly for the fans". 

Washington Post: notes a dependence upon old over new content, describing it as "par for the course." 

Boston.com: "a little flabbier, a little shabbier, but still undeniably funny," and gives 3/4 stars .

Esquire swoons over the disheveled charm, in spite of imperfections .

Houston Chronicle appreciates its feel-good nostalgia, and terms it a legacy‑driven funfest .

Final Thoughts

Happy Gilmore 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel—it goes whole hog for the comfort of known faces, wacky golf hijinks, and Sandler's regular cast. Critics note its padding, tone shifts, and cameo-heavy overstuffed cast. But fans craving a sentimental follow-up, or just a goofy, ear‑to‑ear‑laugh sort of movie, might enjoy its mayhem.